Ja Rule may be in jail and quiet on the music front, but his former labelmate Ashanti still thinks that the Murda Inc. rapper has what it takes to return to the top.

In a new interview with The Grio, the 'Always on Time' singer praises the rhymer. "I definitely think that Ja has what it takes to make a hit record,” she says.

Ashanti and Ja Rule worked together extensively in the early 2000s, on hits like 'Always on Time' and 'Mesmerize.' Legal issues coupled with a highly-publicized beef with 50 Cent all but ended Ja's superstar career. He began a jail term in 2011, for illegal gun possession and then tax evasion. The rapper is slated for release in July.

Despite his career setbacks, Ashanti still sees potential in him. “I think Ja Rule is super duper talented. When I got into the studio with him… and just his melodies, his lyrics, and how he puts a record together and how he can make it catchy," she shares. "So many people have… I don’t want to say copied… but Ja has a swag that a lot of people came in after him doing. So I definitely think that Ja has what it takes to make a hit record."

The 'Foolish' chanteuse predicts that she will collaborate with Ja upon his release.

Watch Ja Rule's 'Mesmerize' Video Feat. Ashanti

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